The Best Materials for Building a Driveway
It might not be as expensive as your house or your swimming pool, but your driveway still plays a large part in your property’s overall kerb appeal. And that is why it is essential to choose the best driveway material available.
If you’re looking for the best materials for building a driveway, then you’ve come to the right place. Today our expert concreters on the Gold Coast are going to discuss the different types of materials available for our local clients, and see which one is perfect for your home and your budget.
Concrete
It’s grey and it’s been around for many years, but that doesn’t mean concrete has lost its appeal to many homeowners. Standard concrete is still the number one driveway material on the Gold Coast and beyond. The beauty of concrete is in its versatility. You can have it stamped, stencilled, painted, and polished to make it stand out.
So, what are the pros of concrete driveways? First is its durability. A standard concrete driveway can last for decades before it needs to be replaced. It is also durable, and it doesn’t take much to have it maintained. It is also one of the most affordable driveway materials available worldwide.
Asphalt
Asphalt is one of the oldest driveway materials, but its popularity has been declining over the years. But it doesn’t mean that you should cross asphalt driveways off your shortlist. It is durable and cost-effective, and it can last for more than a decade if the driveway is well maintained. Its dark colour is great for hiding dirt and oil stains, and it has a smooth, dark appearance once it is laid out.
The problem is it tends to retain a lot of heat during the summer months, and it can be a hassle to walk on while the sun is blazing outside. It needs to be maintained regularly, and it needs to be repaired more frequently than its concrete counterpart.
Exposed Aggregate
Exposed aggregate has always been a homeowners’ favourite thanks to its interesting texture and colour. With this method, cement and sand are mixed with aggregates, such as decorative pebbles, smooth crushed glass, and shells.
Durability is exposed aggregate’s best feature. With a lot of TLC, you can get it to last for decades. Maintenance is very light — simply sweep it every day to get rid of dirt and leaves. You can also have it resealed every couple of years or whenever necessary.
Exposed aggregate driveways, however, are a little pricier per square metre than standard concrete slabs. Once it is damaged, it’s going to harder to restore it to its original appearance. You also have to have it resealed every two years.
Stone Pavers
Some of the most common types of stone pavers include cobblestone, travertine, and bluestone. Beauty is the main selling point of stone pavers, but they are also sturdy and your concreter on the Gold Coast can use different shapes and patterns to customise it.
Stone pavers are extremely durable, lasting for many years when used and maintained properly. Repairing or replacing a cracked paver is also so easy, and the material can be recycled.
But stone pavers are a bit pricier than standard concrete and more labour-intensive. According to the leading concreters on the Gold Coast, it should also be sealed regularly to protect it from wear and the elements.